EPA Updates Industry at 2011 MACS Convention

Once again, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency attended the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) annual convention to provide an update and overview of its activities that would impact the mobile a/c industry. Drusilla Hufford, director of the EPA Stratospheric Protection Division, began by expressing the agency’s appreciation for the efforts made by the motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) industry to address emissions issues.

In the past 20 years, ozone protection has been a key focus. Collaborative industry/research/government efforts—such as the Montreal Protocol—have slowed and reversed the accumulation of ozone-depleting substances. In that time, the industry has seen a refrigerant shift from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), such as R-12, and then to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), such as R-134a. Hufford praised this steady transition from refrigerants with high global warming propensity to less harmful alternatives.

“Between 2050 and 2075, we’re going to see a return of the ozone layer to the type of thickness it had before human interference began with the introduction of CFCs,” Hufford noted. “The ozone layer is being healed, and we can expect skin cancer and other related illnesses to be reduced significantly in the years ahead.”

Hufford said further environmental progress in the U.S. needs the continued cooperation from the MVAC industry. She thinks the industry is going to have “a big influence on environmental protection, particularly in the next few years.”

Global acceptance of lower GWP refrigerant alternatives is strengthening, she explained, so the potential to skip higher-GWP HFC alternatives and go directly to low-GWP alternatives will have a huge environmental impact. The next significant move will be to significantly lower-GWP refrigerants, such as HFO-1234yf (automotive refrigerant) or HFO-1234ze (a foam-blown insulating agent used in appliances).

Government regulators are also working toward harmonizing their standards and expectations. On Jan. 24 of this year, for example, the state of California, U.S. Dept. of Transportation and EPA announced a common time frame for proposing fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for 2017-25 cars and light-duty trucks. Key tenets include the use of a low-GWP refrigerant, limiting leak rates and limiting indirect emissions.

This effort to harmonize signals continued collaboration that could lead to an extension of the current National Clean Car Program. It also provides automakers with regulatory certainty as they work to build the next generation of clean, fuel-efficient cars and cut emissions of harmful pollutants.

The proposed final rule for HFO-1234yf was published on Oct. 27, 2010, and was followed by a mandatory public comment period that ended Feb. 1, 2011. Hufford noted that EPA is considering a petition to exempt HFO-1234yf and HFO-1234ze as being volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can lead to irritating ground-level ozone.

Chemical manufacturers have indicated they have the ability to supply enough HFO-1234yf, provided they receive firm purchase commitments and sufficient lead-time from customers. EPA also requires that the new refrigerant have unique fittings and labels to distinguish it from other refrigerants. Costs have yet to be announced, but a source indicated the new refrigerant would likely sell for more than $100 per pound. The source also said that HFO-1234yf would be shipped in white tanks that had a red stripe around the tank shoulder.

As written, the HFO-1234yf rule requires automakers to notify the EPA 90 days before using HFO-1234yf in activities designated as significant new use, such as in a new vehicle. For instance, GM has already announced its intention to introduce HFO-1234yf in its 2013 vehicles; Aston Martin has said it will be ready by model year 2017.

EPA also provides incentives to help the MVAC industry move toward increasingly robust performance and efficiency of mobile a/c systems. Auto manufacturers, for example, can earn credits by improving a/c that can be applied toward their fleetwide average CO2 emissions standards. These credits include HVAC efficiency credits (measured by an a/c idling test), leakage credits (measured system losses) and off-cycle credits, which relate to the capture of emissions enabled by new and innovative technologies not yet incorporated in vehicles.

The rule’s Section 609 Certification requires EPA-approved training, which encompasses technician education for EPA-approved MVAC refrigerants, sales restrictions, required recordkeeping and the potential adoption and use of SAE J2852 recovery-only and J2844 recovery/recycle/recharging equipment. Hufford shared that EPA expects to have an update for Section 609 Certification by the spring of 2012.

The automotive aftermarket also has several a/c service opportunities, Hufford added. For example, equipment suppliers and tool makers who act early will be first to market with HFO-1234yf-capable shop equipment, tools, fittings, hoses and other necessities. In addition, by preparing and specializing in best a/c service practices now, notably through Section 609 Certification, a/c service businesses can recognize and capitalize on opportunities that include system leak reduction and proper repair of a/c systems (rather than providing system top-offs) and employing better recovery/recycling/replacement practices.

Snap-on Adds Diagnostic Product Forum to Website

When Snap-on recently redesigned its diagnostic website at http://diagnostics.snapon.com (first mentioned in last month’s F.Y.I. column), they made many functional improvements to make it easier for visitors to learn about the company and its product offerings. One new feature is the diagnostics product forum, which includes several bulletin boards where users can share their diagnostic tool questions, suggestions and success stories. Discussion forums are available for the following topics:

“When professional technicians visit our new diagnostics product forum, they’ll have the opportunity to connect with other users to learn the latest tips and tricks for getting the most out of their scan tool, scope or information system,’ said Mark Schaefer, director of marketing for Snap-on Diagnostics.

A sleek new superstructure for its environmentally friendly SmartLift was unveiled early last month at the NADA Expo by Rotary Lift. The SmartLift Trio superstructure is said to increase technician productivity with three key developments: greater drive-through clearance, improved lift-to-vehicle clearance and extended arm reach.

The new Trio superstructure features a slimmer, tapered yoke that expands drive-through clearance to 88 in.—the widest in the industry. This eases vehicle positioning and results in fewer pinched tires. The contoured drive-over pad also reduces the space that the lift occupies under the vehicle, giving techs greater undercar access.

The Trio also introduces an update to Rotary Lift’s three-stage arms. The new low-profile arms can reach a wider range of vehicle pickup points than their predecessors, while at the same time providing greater clearance between the lift and the vehicle. They’re also said to be easier for technicians to adjust quickly.

The SmartLift Trio superstructure, which also features a built-in storage compartment for small parts and tools, is available on the SmartLift SL210 model, with a lifting capacity of 10,000 lbs. The new superstructure also can be retrofitted to previously installed SmartLift SL210 units.

For more information about the new SmartLift Trio superstructure, contact your local Rotary Lift distributor, log on to www.rotarylift.com or call 800-640-5438.

Delphi Fuel Pumps Compatible With EPA’s New E15 Measure

According to Delphi, its OE quality fuel products are compatible with the new E15 measure approved in late January by the EPA to increase the amount of ethanol currently blended in fuel from 10% to 15% for all light-duty vehicles built in the last decade. Because of the company’s stringent original equipment validation testing, its fuel pumps can accept up to 20% ethanol (E20) for those model years.

“The fact that we are working on these technologies for current and future platforms for global OEMs, we are prepared to quickly meet changes in government regulations such as the E15 measure in the aftermarket,” said Frank Ordoñez, president, Delphi Product & Service Solutions. “Delivering green technologies to consumers is a main strategic focus for Delphi, through the vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket. Key drivers in developing these technologies are increased vehicle performance, better fuel economy and maintaining emissions regulations for all fuel types.”

Delphi has been developing ethanol-friendly components for OEMs for years. In the U.S., Delphi has supplied E85-compatible technology to more than two million vehicles and has delivered E15-compatible fuel pumps to General Motors since 1992. In South America, the company has produced systems and components for more than 430,000 ethanol-compatible vehicles since 1991. In fact, according to Delphi, its gasoline fuel injection systems sold worldwide have been upgraded to deliver 100,000-mile-plus durability on E25, even with realistic levels of impurities.

Today’s cost-conscious Americans have decided to keep their vehicles longer than they have in the past, which means more repairs and maintenance services for do-it-for-me (DIFM) and do-it-yourself (DIY) consumers, according to the 2011 Aftermarket Outlook Survey published by The NPD Group, a market research company.

According to the survey, 52% of consumers intend to keep their vehicle five years or more, and even those with vehicles 10 years old and older will keep their vehicles for another five years, on average.

Survey findings also show that to keep their vehicles on the road, the majority of consumers are expecting them to need repairs or maintenance work in 2011. Of those consumers expecting repairs this year, more than 61% said they’ll have a professional do all the work, up from 56% a year ago. Of DIY consumers, 34% said they expect to do the same or less work on their vehicles in 2011 than they did in 2010.

“The new reality is that consumers are keeping their cars longer and those cars will need repairs and maintenance,” said David Portalatin, industry analyst for NPD’s aftermarket unit. “For companies providing professional repair and maintenance work, this presents a strong growth opportunity. For companies seeking ways to assist consumers and promote DIY activity, the internet will be an important tool in 2011.”

MACS Names MOTOR Writer As One of Four ‘Pioneers’ In the Mobile A/C Industry

The Mobile Air Conditioning Industry Pioneer Awards were presented in late January to four “legendary individuals” during the MACS Worldwide Delphi Keynote Luncheon.

The Mobile Air Conditioning Industry Pioneer Award was originally established by IMACA—the International Mobile Air Conditioning Association—in 1988. In 2003, MACS Worldwide assumed the role of continuing the tradition of recognizing individuals who have made outstanding career contributions to the mobile a/c and heat transfer industry.

Paul Weissler has been writing technical articles about mobile a/c and automotive cooling systems for MOTOR Magazine for more than 30 years, and is a member of the SAE Interior Climate Control Standards Committee, for which he has authored engineering standards for a/c service equipment. A juror for the North American Car & Truck of the Year awards, Weissler also authors the magazine’s year-end service reports on the next year’s domestic models (November) and imports (December). MOTOR congratulates all four mobile a/c industry “pioneers” for their career achievements.

New Training Videos Available From AASA Fuel Pump Mfrs. Council

A new series of educational videos providing information and training on the proper diagnostic techniques and procedures for repairing automotive fuel-related jobs is now available online from the Fuel Pump Manu- facturers Council (FPMC) of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).

According the Steve Handschuh, president and COO of AASA, the Council produced the videos for the purpose of educating “key ‘front line’ personnel in the automotive aftermarket—repair professionals at independent shops and counter professionals at jobber stores. The videos can be viewed free of charge at the FPMC website, www.fuelpumpinfo.org.

“The videos cover very specific issues that can have a direct impact on the number of warranty returns across the industry,” said Jeff Richardson, product manager fuel and light vehicle engine, Federal-Mogul, and 2011 FPMC chairman. “Council members devoted many volunteer hours to craft the videos’ content to ensure the messages are clear, targeted and practical.”

Among the subjects addressed in the videos are fuel system and fuel pump diagnostic procedures, repair procedures and fuel tank cleaning techniques. The AASA FPMC worked closely with Automotive Video, Inc., Ft. Myers, FL, to produce the videos.